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Always Something

Author: Jamie Mangrum

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Welcome to Always Something—the podcast where we dive into the unexpected, the unpredictable, and the unavoidable in the world of crisis communications. I’m Jamie, and every week, we’ll unpack the latest headlines, media moments, and entertainment disasters, exploring how things can go off course and how to steer them back. Whether it's a scandal, a setback, or a PR crisis, you can bet there's always something to talk about.

If you’re in the biz, or just intrigued by the drama behind the scenes, pull up a chair. Let’s get into it.

22 Episodes
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Kayla Nicole just turned her viral Toni Braxton Halloween look into a rebrand masterclass - and we're breaking it all down. In this episode of Always Something, we discuss how Kayla's confidence, timing, and strategy are transforming her from being "Travis Kelce's ex" to a cultural icon. We unpack how this moment could launch her onto Dancing with the Stars, red carpets, and major brand deals - and why it's a subtle warning to Taylor Swift and the Swifties.
Many Instagram followers wanted a deep dive into the rise and reinvention of Candace Owens — one of the most polarizing voices in conservative media. We'll talk about her early days with Turning Point USA, the BLEXIT movement, and now her public clashes with the current Republican Party.We'll unpack how Candace Owens’ image, political views, and media strategy have made her a cultural force. And we'll discuss her defamation dispute in France, her visa battle in Australia, and her growing criticism of GOP leadership in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Finally, we break down why and how a good old-fashioned image makeover can transition Candace into being a likable political figure.
Award season isn’t just about trophies—it’s Hollywood’s campaign trail. From the Oscars to the Grammys, the Emmys to the VMAs, stars fight for votes the same way politicians fight for ballots. But scandals, controversies, and viral moments can flip the entire race.In this episode of Always Something, we break down how award season really works behind the scenes: why image and narrative matter as much as talent, how scandals have cost celebrities their shot at Hollywood’s biggest prizes, and why viral VMA moments often spill over into Grammy and Oscar campaigns.From Eddie Murphy’s lost Oscar for Dreamgirls to Janet Jackson’s Grammy fallout, Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift at the VMAs, Miley Cyrus’s infamous performance, Lady Gaga’s wild award show stunts, and Will Smith’s shocking Oscars slap—we’re looking at the wins, the losses, and the strategies that shape careers.Whether you love pop culture, celebrity drama, or just want to understand how Hollywood really works, this episode unpacks why in entertainment—just like in politics—the best performance doesn’t always win.Tune in for a smart, entertaining deep dive into the scandals, strategies, and campaigns that define award season.
Cardi B showed up in my comments after I posted a video about her on Instagram. She wasn't happy. In this episode of Always Something, I share the story of the moment that left me shocked—and what it taught me about visibility, influence, and protecting your peace.From the surreal surprise of seeing Cardi B respond, to the lessons about who’s really watching your content, I break down why this moment was bigger than a celebrity interaction. And with Cardi’s $24 million civil assault trial underway, I offer her (and all of us) some real talk: sometimes the most powerful move is silence.Tune in for a conversation about:Why you never know who’s watching your platformHow celebrity culture exposes the downside of constant engagementWhy silence is often more powerful than clapping backLessons we can all learn about guarding our peace in the digital ageThis is one of those “it could only happen on the internet” moments—with a deeper lesson we all need right now.
In this episode of Always Something, I dive into Governor Gavin Newsom’s bold social media campaigns against Donald Trump and why his digital strategy is catching so much attention. With his term as California’s governor winding down, Newsom is seizing the opportunity to elevate his national profile and showcase a communication strategy that feels sharp, fast, and built for today’s political landscape.I explore how Newsom’s approach mirrors and modernizes the groundbreaking social media playbook that Barack Obama used during his first presidential campaign—only this time, in a much noisier and more competitive digital era. From viral video responses to sharp online messaging, Newsom is proving that politics today is as much about storytelling and communication as it is about policy.If you’re interested in political strategy, social media campaigns, or the future of Democratic leadership, this conversation is for you.
Kelly Clarkson’s silence after her ex-husband’s death isn’t just personal—it’s PR strategy. In this episode of Always Something, we unpack how staying quiet can protect a brand, manage public perception, and help with personal healing.We explore why sometimes saying nothing is the most powerful message, how silence can protect both brand and personal healing, and what this means for public figures facing personal turmoil. Tune in for a deep dive into PR strategy, celebrity culture, and the power of restraint in a 24/7 media cycle.
This week on Always Something, we untangle the legal and cultural drama swirling around Katy Perry—pop icon, business mogul, and now, courtroom regular. We explore the lawsuit filed by 84-year-old Carl Westcott over the $15 million Santa Barbara estate he allegedly sold under duress, while recovering from surgery and medicated. Katy Perry’s legal team says it was a fair deal. Westcott’s family says otherwise. And actor Chris Pratt? He’s tangled in a separate but strangely similar story involving Perry’s real estate dealings.We’ll also explore how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s name became entangled in this bizarre saga, and what this all reveals about power, property, and the public’s complex relationship with celebrity influence.Because with Katy, it’s never just a lawsuit—it’s always something.
In this episode, we unpack the quiet crisis unfolding in America’s labor market: nearly 300,000 Black women have disappeared from the workforce in just six months—yet no one is talking about it.Using recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and analysis from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, we explore the real reasons behind this exodus: systemic bias, burnout, economic abandonment, and the rollback of DEI efforts across government and corporate sectors.We cover:Why Black women’s labor force participation dropped to 58.6% in June 2025The nearly 193,000 jobs lost by Black workers between May and JuneWhy Black women’s unemployment rate remains nearly double that of white womenHow credentials and degrees aren’t enough to shield us from discriminationWhat this means for equity, policy, and the future of workIf you’ve felt unseen, unheard, or like your job loss was just “your fault”—this episode is for you. Because this isn’t a glitch. It’s a pattern. And it’s time we talked about it.Listen now, share with your sister circle, and don’t forget to subscribe for more truth-telling conversations.
The Devil Wears Prada is back—and we're talking about the ultimate comms campaign. In this episode, we break down why the Devil Wears Prada sequel is more than just exciting news for fans — it’s a perfect case study in nostalgia-driven marketing, cultural timing, and strategic storytelling.From TikTok teasers to audience trust, we explore how this sequel captures the intersection of fashion, media, and pop culture — and why doing PR for a film like this is the dream job for any communications pro.Whether you’re a fan of the original film, a PR strategist, or just someone who lives for the drama of a well-executed reveal… this one’s for you.
California's Governor Gavin Newsom is everywhere lately - red states, cable news, social media feeds - and folks are starting to ask: Is this the guy Democrats have been waiting for? In this episode of Always Something, we dig into the Democratic leadership vacuum, why Newsom's rising star matters, and how Donald Trump's brand is taking hits in the court of public opinion, especially in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein files being dismissed.We'll talk midterms, momentum, and what Barack Obama meant when he said that Democrats need to be a little bit more direct with their base. Plus: what we'd recommend if Gavin Newsom really is gearing up for 2028 - even if he swears he's not.
Diddy... Did It

Diddy... Did It

2025-07-0316:01

We’re back—and Season 2 of Always Something kicks off with a bold conversation. In this episode, we unpack the recent verdict involving Sean "Diddy" Combs and explore the wider implications: What does this moment mean for accountability, power, and celebrity culture? Is this justice finally catching up, or are we witnessing a troubling pattern targeting wealthy Black men in the public eye?From allegations to public reaction, we dive deep into the nuance, naming the difference between truth, optics, and systemic bias. Is this the beginning of a broader trend? Or is it a long-overdue reckoning?You already know—it’s Always Something. Let’s talk about it.
Kanye West is no stranger to controversy; his social media rants often spark intense debate. But what's driving his words beyond the headlines and hot takes? In this episode of Always Something, we take a step back to analyze Kanye’s public outbursts—not just as chaotic moments, but as patterns and what they reveal about his intentions.Join us as we break down the messages behind the madness, offering a more nuanced perspective on one of the most polarizing figures in pop culture. Because with Kanye, it’s Always Something.
This week on Always Something, we’re diving into our most requested topic—Luigi Mangione. Why is there so much interest in him? What media strategies are shaping his public narrative? And most importantly, what can we, as communications professionals, learn from it?In this special Q&A episode, we discuss the buzz surrounding Mangione and discuss the implications for reputation management, storytelling, and media influence. Whether you're a PR strategist, a brand communicator, or just a fan of smart media moves, this conversation has something for you.
Diddy... Did He?

Diddy... Did He?

2025-02-2716:13

In this episode, we unpack the current activities in the upcoming Diddy trial. One of his lawyers left the case, and there are many questions about what this means for his future. We discuss why issuing a financial statement can be a wise decision, how crisis communications leaders manage things behind the scenes with attorneys, and when you should not issue a statement to the press.
In this episode, we delve into the recent legal battle between hip-hop mogul Jay-Z and attorney Tony Buzbee. Jay-Z vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as "frivolous, fictitious, and appalling," and claimed they were part of an extortion attempt. He further highlighted the emotional and financial toll on his family, including threats and the loss of $20 million in business deals. In response, Jay-Z filed a lawsuit against Buzbee, accusing him of defamation, civil extortion, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Join us as we unpack the details of this lawsuit.
This episode delves into the intricacies of A$AP Rocky's case and how it may compromise Rihanna's brand. We also speculate that Rocky's attorney may try to pull some strings to resolve this quickly.
This week, we'll discuss the devastating fires in Los Angeles and how Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag are uniquely positioned to change their lives and careers.
Drake Not Like Us

Drake Not Like Us

2025-01-2013:47

This episode explores why no one seems to get along with Drake. From his public beef with Kendrick Lamar and others to the current lawsuit against UMG and humiliating himself, he's spiraling and can't seem to get his footing. What can he do to salvage his reputation?
In this episode, we discuss Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and the NFL's branding and public image uniting. What does this mean for their goals? And, we make observations of Travis Kelce's brand makeover.
In this inaugural episode, we're diving into Meghan Markle's new series on Netflix. We'll talk about the sorted and complicated media history of Prince Harry and the Royal Family, and what could be next for them!
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